Itchy scalp: causes and treatment

Itchy scalp is a discomfort that we dermatologists encounter very often in consultation. It is important that you know that its impact on the quality of life and the health of your hair can be important, especially if it lasts over time . Therefore, we recommend that you consult a specialist who can diagnose the cause of that intense itching on the scalp and treat it to regain your peace of mind and the health of your hair as soon as possible.

I also want to tell you that you are not the only person who suffers from an itchy scalp. It is a common ailment and fortunately it has treatment. In this article, I want to answer the most frequent questions I come across in consultations about itchy scalp in order to help you solve it as soon as possible.

Itchy scalp and alopecia

Itchy scalp is an itchy sensation in the head that can vary in intensity and consistency, and can be mild or acute and persistent or intermittent.

My patients frequently ask me, can this itching cause hair loss? The answer is: If the itchy head and subsequent scratching persist for a long period of time, it can cause hair loss.

Although excessive itching of the scalp has no direct relationship with hair loss or alopecia, scratching over a long period of time can damage hair follicles, which in turn can lead to progressive hair loss . Therefore, it is essential to address itchiness effectively, early and treat the underlying cause to preserve the health of your hair.

Chronic itchy scalp can trigger progressive hair loss. It is important to address this condition effectively and early to prevent hair loss.

What causes itchy scalp?

In most cases, excessive itchy scalp is a symptom of a pre-existing condition that affects the health of your scalp and hair. That is, an itchy head is the consequence of an ailment that has not been treated.

It is essential to identify the underlying cause to address the problem effectively. Some of the most common causes are:

Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis

Dandruff is one of the most common causes of itchy scalp . If you have dandruff, you will notice it by the presence of white flakes that accumulate on your scalp, your hair or your clothes. Normally dandruff flakes are accompanied by redness and excessive itching on the scalp.

Treatment usually involves the use of medicated shampoos and lotions designed to control inflammation and flaking , thereby relieving an itchy head and improving hair health.

Psoriasis

Last October 29 was World Psoriasis Day. It is a common disease in the general population that often manifests itself as red, scaly plaques on the skin , being more common on the elbows and knees, but when it affects the scalp it can cause redness, peeling and an itchy head .

Treatment of psoriasis on the scalp usually involves the use of medicated shampoos, topical therapies , and in some cases, systemic therapies under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Allergies or contact dermatitis

Did you know that you can be allergic to any of your old hair products? This is known as contact dermatitis and, when it affects the scalp, it produces an inflammatory reaction of the skin that can cause the skin to appear red, flaky or cause intense itching on the scalp.

This can occur by including hair products that contain ingredients that the person is sensitive to, such as fragrances, dyes or preservatives. To alleviate this condition, it is essential to identify and avoid products that trigger the allergic reaction.

Fungal infections

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause excessive itching and peeling of the scalp. This infection is most common in children, but adults can also be affected. Symptoms of ringworm can include scaly patches, hair loss in affected areas, and often significant itching .

It is generally transmitted through direct contact with infected people or animals . It is likely that you know someone or have seen the haircut with a gradient on the side and back of the head on the street or on television, since in recent years it has become very fashionable. What you may not have known is that there was an outbreak of people contracting fungus in hair salons where they performed haircuts.

Lice or pediculosis

Pediculosis, commonly known as head lice, is a condition that can cause intense itching of the scalp and head discomfort. It is more common in school-age children, but it can also occur among their family members or caregivers.

These small parasites attach to the hair and feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp . The resulting itching is often the most noticeable symptom and can lead to irritation and excessive scratching, which, in turn, can damage the scalp and hair. Treating lice usually involves the use of specific lotions or shampoos designed to eliminate lice and their eggs.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis on the scalp is a manifestation of this chronic skin condition that can cause redness, itching and peeling in the hair area. While atopic dermatitis is not usually a direct cause of alopecia, the side effects of excessive scratching and prolonged inflammation can lead to hair loss . Therefore, early treatment of this chronic disease is essential to prevent secondary alopecia and maintain hair health.

How to relieve excessive itchy scalp

Treating an itchy scalp requires a personalized approach depending on the underlying cause. Here I offer you some general tips to address this problem:

• Professional dermatological diagnosis : The key to effective treatment is to consult a specialized dermatologist. An accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the cause of the itch and determine the appropriate and personalized treatment approach, which may include the use of shampoos, lotions, topical treatments, or even specific systemic therapies depending on the diagnosis.
• Gentle Hair Care – Use products designed to relieve itchy scalps without damaging your hair or skin. Likewise, using sulfate-free shampoos reduces the chances of irritating the scalp.
• Proper hygiene : Maintain a regular hair washing routine and rinse thoroughly to remove any residue that may contribute to itchiness.
• Avoid scratching : Even if your scalp is severely itchy, you should avoid scratching as much as possible, as this can worsen the condition.

My advice as a dermatologist: Don't let the intense itching of your scalp pass you by.

Itchy scalp should not be underestimated as it can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions . Timely care and proper treatment can help you relieve severe itchy scalp and preserve the health of your hair.

The best recommendation is to always consult your dermatologist for personalized guidance and an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific situation.